Burke Critical Of Walker's Slow Casino Decision

Democrat Mary Burke says waiting more than a year to make a decision on a proposed casino in Kenosha isn't necessary, and says if a study shows signs, it should be given the go-ahead.

The federal government has given Governor Scott Walker the final decision on whether the Menominee tribe can get permission to build a large casino complex on a former dog racing track. Walker has indicated he will wait several months or longer to make a decision. The federal Department of Interior approved the proposal August 23, 3013 and gave Walker one year to decide on it. Walker asked for a six-month extension to make the decision, pushing it past the November election day.

In seeking the Governor's office, Burke says waiting up to 18 months to make a decision was not right...

"....a year's time is ridiculous. A lot of people are dependent on this decision and to say you need more than a year, I just wonder what exactly he is doing that takes so long. It looks to me like politics as usual. That is what is unfortunate about the leadership we have under Governor Walker...."

Burke says she would have taken another course...

"....I would have immediately undertaken an independent study to see what the economic impact on the state as a whole would be and if it creates a significant number of new jobs we should go ahead with that. We are competing with other states like Iowa and Illinois...."

The Forest County Potawatomi Community and the Ho-Chunk Tribe have opposed the new casino. Both tribes have large casino facilities in southern Wisconsin.